Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Baseline Data of the SUMS Employees Health Cohort Study (SUMS EHCS) in South of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Shift work, a characteristic of healthcare workers' jobs, is recognized as a contributing factor to various health conditions, particularly metabolic syndrome. However, the risk of this medical condition is still understudied among shift workers in the healthcare sector. This study investigated metabolic syndrome and its components in the "Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Employees Health Cohort Study" (SUMS EHCS), a branch of the PERSIAN cohort study in the south of Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from 5,903 participants in the SUMS EHCS. The ATP III criteria were applied to diagnose metabolic syndrome, which requires the evated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting plasma glucose. Statistical analyses were conducted using Poisson regression models and STATA software.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 23.50%, with abdominal obesity identified as the most common component (50.5%). The presence of underlying diseases was significantly associated with the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in both univariable (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.93 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74, 2.14]; P < 0.001) and multivariable analyses (adjusted PR (aPR) = 1.94 [95% CI: 1.75, 2.15]; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between modifiable lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:The similar prevalence of metabolic syndrome in healthcare workers compared to the general population highlights the need for similar preventive and curative health strategies, particularly focusing on underlying medical conditions to improve the metabolic health of healthcare workers.